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Injured in a Trucking Accident? We Can Help

At Lewis & Keller, we bring decades of experience helping victims of truck crashes in Salisbury and across North Carolina. Trucking accidents often involve complex laws and multiple liable parties, such as trucking companies, drivers, or manufacturers. Our team is equipped to handle these challenges and fight for the compensation you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Get your free case review today to learn more about how we can help.

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Truck Accident Lawyer in Salisbury, NC

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, working with a dedicated Salisbury, NC, attorney from Lewis & Keller can make all the difference. We understand the devastating impact a truck accident can have on your life—from severe injuries and mounting medical bills to dealing with uncooperative insurance companies. 

Your Salisbury truck accident lawyer will provide personalized support, guiding you through every step of the legal process and fighting to secure the compensation you may deserve. We handle the complexities of your case, including investigating the accident, gathering critical evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on healing. Contact Lewis & Keller today for a free consultation and let us fight for you.

Available
24/7

Hurt in the middle of the night? Don’t wait to call an attorney. A real person is available 24/7 and will answer your call.

Years of
Experience

Founding partner, Mike Lewis, has been practicing law for 50 years. When you call our attorneys, you’ll have our wealth of experience and knowledge on your side.

No Fees Unless
We Win

Working on a contingency fee basis allows our clients to retain our services without worrying about hourly legal fees. You won’t owe us a penny unless we win.

When Should You Get a Lawyer for a Truck Accident?

After being involved in a trucking accident, you may wonder whether you need legal assistance. Here are situations where consulting a Salisbury truck accident lawyer is beneficial:

  1. Severe Injuries or Fatalities: If the accident caused serious injuries, permanent disabilities, or a loss of life, a lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, long-term care, or wrongful death damages.
  2. Disputed Liability: Trucking companies and their insurers often try to shift blame onto the victim. A lawyer can investigate the accident, collect evidence, and establish liability.
  3. Dealing with Multiple Parties: Trucking accidents may involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance crews, or manufacturers. A lawyer can identify all responsible parties to help maximize your potential compensation.
  4. Complex Insurance Issues: Commercial trucking policies are more complicated than regular auto insurance. A lawyer can navigate the claims process and deal with aggressive insurance adjusters.
  5. Lost Wages or Long-Term Impact: If the accident affects your ability to work or results in reduced earning capacity, legal assistance is beneficial when calculating and attempting to claim these damages.
  6. Violation of Federal Regulations: Trucking accidents often involve violations of federal laws, such as hours-of-service limits or improper maintenance. A lawyer can use these violations to strengthen your case.
  7. Unfair Settlement Offers: If the insurance company offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your losses, a lawyer can negotiate for fair compensation or take the case to court if necessary.
  8. Emotional and Financial Stress: Handling legal matters while recovering from an accident can be overwhelming. A lawyer takes the burden off your shoulders and ensures no deadlines or details are missed.

If you’re facing any of these situations, contacting a Salisbury truck accident lawyer at Lewis & Keller can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you may deserve.

Most Truck Accident Settlements Include These Damages

Truck accident settlements aim to compensate victims for the physical, financial, and emotional toll caused by the crash. While the exact amount varies, most settlements include the following types of damages:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes costs for immediate medical care, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays, as well as ongoing treatments like physical therapy, rehabilitation, and prescription medications. Future medical needs, such as long-term care or assistive devices, are also factored into the settlement.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If the accident forces you to miss work, you may be compensated for lost income. For severe injuries that impact your ability to return to work or require you to take a lower-paying job, settlements can include compensation for reduced earning capacity.
  • Property Damage: Damages to your vehicle and any personal property lost or damaged in the accident are typically covered. Settlement amounts account for repair costs or the fair market value of a totaled vehicle.
  • Pain and Suffering: These non-economic damages compensate for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Factors like the severity of injuries, length of recovery, and long-term impact on your quality of life influence the value.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, daily activities, or spending time with loved ones, you may be compensated for the diminished quality of life.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: For fatal accidents, settlements may include compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship for surviving family members.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence, such as knowingly violating safety regulations or driving under the influence, courts may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the responsible party and deter similar reckless behavior in the future.

At Lewis & Keller, we work diligently to build a strong case and maximize the damages you may recover. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and how we can help you pursue the settlement you may deserve.

Our Results Speak For themselves

$

7000000

Motorcycle accident resulting in paralysis.

$

3000000

Auto accident resulting in post traumatic stress disorder.

$

1393000

Workplace accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Follow These Steps

Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. However, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your health, rights, and future claim for compensation. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Visit a doctor to document your injuries, as medical records will be critical for your claim.

2. Contact Law Enforcement: Call 911 and report the accident. The police will create an official accident report, which often includes important details about fault and contributing factors. Request a copy of this report for your records.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you’re able to, collect as much evidence as possible, including:

  • Photos or videos of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and injuries.
  • Contact information for the truck driver, witnesses, and any other involved parties.
  • The trucking company’s name and the truck’s license plate and USDOT number.

4. Avoid Discussing Fault: Do not admit fault or make speculative statements at the scene. Even casual remarks can be used against you during the claims process. Stick to factual descriptions when speaking to the police or others involved.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly. However, avoid giving recorded statements or accepting blame. Insurance companies may use your words to minimize your claim.

6. Document All Expenses: Keep a record of medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, lost income, and any other expenses related to the accident. This documentation helps calculate the compensation you may be entitled to.

7. Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer: Truck accident claims are complex, involving multiple parties and federal regulations. A Salisbury truck accident lawyer can help investigate the crash, determine liability, and handle negotiations with insurance companies to maximize your potential compensation.

Taking these steps can strengthen your claim and help you recover the compensation you may deserve. 

PUT AN AWARD-WINNING FIRM ON YOUR SIDE

Lewis & Keller is a recognized Best Law Firm in Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, as well as Personal Injury Litigation-Plainitffs by U.S. News and World Report. The firm has also been given an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Founding partner Mike Lewis has procured the title of one of the Best Lawyers in America for personal injury litigation and eminent domain, and was also distinguished as a North Carolina Super Lawyer in personal injury. These accolades wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of all of the attorneys at Lewis & Keller and their clients who placed their trust in them.

Martindale Hubbell Distinguished 2021 Badge
Recognized as a North Carolina Super Lawyer 2013-2014

What Counts as a Commercial Vehicle?

Commercial vehicles are used for business purposes to transport goods, materials, or passengers. These vehicles are typically larger and heavier than standard vehicles, making them more dangerous in accidents. Common types of commercial vehicles include:

  • Semi-Trucks and Tractor-Trailers: Large trucks designed for transporting goods across long distances, often operated by major freight companies.
  • Box Trucks and Delivery Vehicles: Medium-sized vehicles commonly used by companies like FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and USPS for local deliveries.
  • Buses: Public transit buses, charter buses, and school buses used to transport passengers.
  • Tanker Trucks: Vehicles designed to carry liquids or gases, including fuel, chemicals, or hazardous materials.
  • Dump Trucks: Construction vehicles that haul loose materials such as sand, gravel, or debris.
  • Flatbed Trucks: Trucks with open beds used to transport oversized cargo, such as machinery or building materials.

Many commercial vehicles, including delivery vehicles from Amazon or UPS, operate in residential areas, increasing the risk of accidents in high-traffic zones.

Commercial vehicles must adhere to strict federal and state regulations, such as weight limits, maintenance schedules, and driver qualifications. When these standards are violated, accidents are more likely to occur.

Trucking Laws and Regulations

Trucking laws and regulations are in place to ensure the safety of truck drivers and other motorists. These rules are enforced by federal and state agencies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and are critical in truck accident cases. Key regulations include:

Hours of Service (HOS) Rules

Truck drivers are limited in the number of hours they can drive to prevent fatigue-related accidents. For example, drivers transporting goods can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements
Weight Limits
Licensing and Training
Cargo Securement Rules

When a trucking accident occurs, violations of these laws can play an important role in proving negligence. At Lewis & Keller, our team investigates whether trucking laws were violated and uses this evidence to strengthen your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable 

Truck accidents are often complex, with multiple parties potentially sharing responsibility. Identifying all liable parties is key to pursuing fair compensation.

The truck driver may be held liable if the accident was caused by negligence such as speeding, driving under the influence, or violating Hours of Service regulations, leading to driver fatigue. Drivers are required to follow strict safety rules, and failure to do so can result in serious crashes.

The trucking company could also share responsibility, especially if they failed to properly train or screen drivers, encouraged unsafe practices to meet deadlines, or neglected necessary vehicle maintenance. Companies are also responsible for ensuring their fleets comply with safety regulations.

In cases where a mechanical failure is involved, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, the manufacturer of the truck or its components may be liable. Defective parts can lead to catastrophic accidents, especially when large vehicles are involved.

Sometimes, a third-party cargo loading company is responsible for accidents caused by improperly loaded or unsecured cargo. Shifting loads can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents. Similarly, a third-party maintenance provider may be liable if they failed to properly inspect or repair the truck, allowing hazardous conditions like worn brakes or steering malfunctions to go unaddressed.

In some cases, another motorist may have contributed to the accident by driving recklessly or causing a chain-reaction collision. Shared liability is common in trucking accidents, with multiple parties potentially playing a role in causing the crash.

Contributory Negligence Laws in NC

North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning if you are found to have contributed to an accident in any way, even by 1%, you are barred from recovering compensation. This strict law makes it important to have strong legal representation, as insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto victims to avoid paying claims. In truck accident cases, proving that the other party is entirely at fault is crucial to protecting your right to compensation. A skilled lawyer can counter these tactics and ensure your case is presented effectively.

Proving Liability

Proving liability in a truck accident case involves demonstrating that the at-fault party breached their duty of care and that this breach directly caused your injuries and damages. This requires gathering evidence such as accident reports, black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records. Establishing damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering is also vital for building a strong case. An experienced lawyer can connect these elements and use expert testimony or accident reconstruction to prove liability and fight for the compensation you may deserve.

our Salisbury Truck accident attorneys

Common Causes of Tractor Trailer Accidents

Tractor-trailer accidents are often the result of negligence, unsafe driving practices, or mechanical failures. Common causes include the following:

  • Driver fatigue occurs when truck drivers exceed hours-of-service regulations, leading to impaired reaction times. 
  • Distracted driving, such as texting or using a GPS while driving, is another frequent cause. 
  • Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions increases the likelihood of losing control, especially in large vehicles. 
  • Improper loading or overloaded trailers can lead to uneven weight distribution, making trucks more prone to rollovers or jackknifing. 
  • Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, often caused by poor maintenance, can result in catastrophic accidents. 

Identifying the cause of the accident is an important part of determining liability and pursuing compensation.

Common Types of Accidents

  • Jackknife Accidents: The trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often caused by sudden braking or slippery roads.
  • Rear-End Collisions: Result from the truck’s longer stopping distance and can cause severe injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles.
  • Rollover Accidents: Occur when a driver loses control, frequently due to speeding, sharp turns, or improperly loaded cargo.
  • Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles slide beneath a truck’s trailer, often due to poorly maintained underride guards. These are among the most deadly types of accidents.
  • Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone Accidents): These happen at intersections when trucks fail to yield, often resulting in significant damage and injuries.

Common Compensable Injuries

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Result from head impacts during collisions and may lead to long-term cognitive impairment or disability.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Include paralysis and other serious outcomes, often requiring lifelong medical care and support.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: Common due to the force of impact in truck accidents, often leading to extended recovery periods.
  • Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Caused by sudden jolts during the crash, which can result in chronic pain and mobility issues.
  • Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately noticeable but can be life-threatening.
  • Emotional Trauma: Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that significantly affect victims’ quality of life and mental well-being.

Compensation for these injuries typically covers immediate medical expenses, long-term care needs, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the accident, ensuring victims can recover both physically and financially.

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How Lewis & Keller Can Help

At Lewis & Keller, we understand the challenges of truck accident cases and the difficulties victims face. Our experienced team is committed to providing comprehensive legal support and fighting for the compensation you may deserve. Here’s how we can help:

  • Thorough Investigation: We gather and analyze crucial evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, and accident reports, to build a strong case.
  • Identifying Liable Parties: Truck accidents often involve multiple responsible parties, including the driver, trucking company, or manufacturers. We help ensure all liable parties are held accountable.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. We handle all communication and negotiations to help secure fair compensation.
  • Expert Coordination: We work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals to strengthen your case.
  • Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.

With a no-win, no-fee guarantee, you can trust that we are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Salisbury, NC, Truck Accident FAQs

What Should You Do When the Insurance Adjuster Calls?

When the insurance adjuster calls, it’s important to be cautious. While they may seem helpful, their goal is often to minimize your claim. Here are steps to take:

  • Provide Basic Information Only: Share your name, contact details, and the date and location of the accident. Avoid discussing fault or the extent of your injuries.
  • Do Not Provide a Recorded Statement: Politely decline if they ask to record your conversation. Recorded statements can be used against you later.
  • Avoid Speculation: Stick to the facts and avoid guessing or making assumptions about the accident.
  • Consult an Attorney: Before signing any documents or agreeing to a settlement, consult with a truck accident lawyer. A lawyer can review the adjuster’s offer and help ensure you receive fair compensation.

At Lewis & Keller, we handle all communication with insurance companies to protect your rights and maximize your claim.

What Is the Cost of Legal Representation From Lewis & Keller?